Nutrition at the Nest

Healthy Habits, Happy Kids

Our Philosophy & Approach

A Foundation of Fresh, Healthy Eating

We believe that good nutrition is the foundation for active learning and play. Our goal is to serve nutrient-rich foods that kids love, while building healthy habits that last a lifetime. Robin's Nest proudly participates in the USDA's CACFP, a federal program validating our commitment to serving nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks that meet stringent federal standards for child health and development.

Nutrient-Rich & Balanced

We serve nutrient-rich foods and limit high-fat, high-sugar, and high-sodium items.

A cute, cartoon-style orange carrot with green leaves and a smiling face on a green background.

Whole Grains & Produce

Menus are planned with whole-grain bread and cereals, alongside fresh fruits and vegetables.

Illustration of three wheat stalks with wheat heads on a yellow circular background.

Healthy Dairy

To reduce unhealthy saturated fat, we serve only low-fat or nonfat milk to children age 2 and older.

A graphic illustration of a carton of milk with the words "FRESH" on a yellow oval label and "MILK" in a blue banner, with a blue background and milk splashes on the carton.

Quality Protein

We include protein from both animal and vegetable sources, like beans and nuts, using organic ingredients when possible.

Three shiny red kidney beans inside a pink circle background.
Logo for CACFP Child and Adult Care Food Program, with colorful letters C, A, C, F, P, and icons of a pear, apple, heart, and pear, on a black background.

Robin's Nest is a proud participant in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a vital federal initiative that ensures children in childcare receive nutritious, high-quality meals and snacks. Our involvement with this USDA-backed program means that our menus and meal services meet stringent federal nutrition standards, providing your child with wholesome, balanced food proven to support healthy growth and development. 

  • Validated Nutrition: Our meals and snacks adhere to rigorous USDA nutrition standards.

  • Promoting Healthy Habits: Children in CACFP-approved programs are more likely to consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Commitment to Quality: Our participation reflects our dedication to offering the best nutritional care for every child.

A cartoon-style red apple with a brown stem and green leaf.
Illustration of two bananas connected at the stem, with brown tips on both ends.
Learn more

Our Approach to Mealtime

Schedule & Hydration: Meals and snacks are served every two to three hours to ensure small tummies do not get too hungry. Children always have access to drinking water.

Clock showing 12:00.

Infant Feeding: We only feed expressed breast milk or an iron-fortified formula on demand. When developmentally ready, and with parental approval, solids will be introduced.

Illustration of a baby bottle with a tan nipple and a blue cap, partially filled with liquid.

Safety First: Hands are always washed before meals and snacks. Our center is cautious about foods that may be choking hazards. Foods like grapes and meat are cut into small, safe pieces when served to young children.

A Positive & Social Experience

We strive to make mealtime pleasant. Staff sit and eat with the children as often as possible, providing an opportunity for positive social interaction and role modeling. We use size-appropriate furniture, utensils, and dishes at mealtime. Children gain confidence in eating as they learn to eat successfully on their own

A cartoon illustration of a red bird with a yellow beak, black eye, and green wing, peeking from the edge of a black background.
Young girl being fed cereal by woman at dining table with bookshelves in background.

Learning to Love Good Food

Our children may have the opportunity to cook with us to learn about food preparation and proper nutrition. We also share newsletters, healthy recipes, and other nutrition education materials with parents on a regular basis to help continue these healthy habits at home.

Cartoon red bird with one eye, a yellow beak, and a playful expression, peeking out from behind a black background.
A young girl holding two brown eggs in front of her eyes, making a playful expression.

A Taste of Robin’s Nest

Here is an example of a typical lunch

  • Homemade turkey sandwich on whole grain bread

  • Roasted carrots and brussel sprouts

  • Fresh orange slices

  • Milk

A lunch tray with sections containing a sandwich cut in half, carrot and celery sticks, orange slices, a carton of milk, and a set of plastic fork and spoon.
Cartoon red bird winking and flying with wings spread out.